Ask Ira: Has Magloire's Time Arrived?

Q: I think the Heat is making a mistake not bringing in Magloire over Anthony. Magloire is the grit player that everyone says Haslem is. -- John.

A: Ask and you shall receive. Jamaal was the first center off the bench Friday against the Lakers and energized the Heat in the first half, while Anthony did not play. Magloire figures to see more action Sunday in Sacramento, with Jermaine O'Neal to return to South Carolina because of a personal matter. Still, it is clear the Heat is grooming Anthony for a future with the team, not certain what it will have in terms of depth in its power rotation moving forward. Jamaal certainly delivers an energy, though, doesn't he?

Q: With all this hoopla about Bosh or Amare coming over, what are the chances of O'Neal re-signing with the Heat? -- J.P.

A: I'd say minimal. My sense, at this point, is Jermaine has no sense of enduring attachment to the Heat and has become somewhat of a mercenary. I believe he will follow the money trail. And after the Heat is done spending in 2010 free agency, I don't think there will be much of a money trail left to follow.

Q: Should we focus on getting a top-tier talent in free agency, only to lose depth? Or should we sign multiple second-tier talents to boost depth? -- Nut.

A: This still is a star league, so you have to move in that direction. Plenty of teams have good players. In this league, you win with great players. But the Heat's lack of depth is, indeed, an issue, as evidenced by its league-worst No. 30 ranking in bench scoring.

Q: Could there be any trade value with Jones, Wright, Chalmers or Quinn for a decent point guard? -- Walter.

A: No, no one is taking your leftovers for their starters. The Heat simply doesn't have much of value to offer, unless it possibly parts with Udonis Haslem. And I don't know how Wade would sit with such a move.

Q: Would Jones, Wright and Anthony work in a trade for Boozer? Then move Beasley to small forward and have Chalmers, Wade, Beasley, Boozer and O'Neal starting. -- Marco.

A: My thought, and I'll wait for the Jazz to stop laughing about your ludicrous trade proposal, is this: Michael Beasley is a power forward. Period. That is his only starting role in this league. So any move going forward, if Michael truly is part of the future of this team, comes down to how to augment a lineup that has Michael at power forward. That means any power player brought in has to be able to play center.